Foundation and constitution: Sir Charles Hallé had founded his orchestra in 1858, and in December 1891 raised the idea of a College of Music in Manchester. An appeal was launched and an executive committee formed in May 1892 to gather subscriptions and raise support. The hon. treasurer, Charles Lees, presented a building on Ducie St/Oxford Rd. In February 1893 the executive committee made its final report to the Mayor, and a Council was formed on March 1st 1893, Hallé being appointed Principal. A teaching staff was assembled, and the Queen conferred the title "Royal" before October 1893, the College being opened on October 3rd 1893 following an entrance examination after which 80 students were accepted. This number had risen to 117 by the end of the first year. An unsuccessful petition was made in 1893 for incorporation by Royal Charter, which was opposed by the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music; accordingly Trustees were appointed - Charles E. Lees (formerly the hon. treasurer) and Gustav Behrens. A Royal Charter was again sought during 1921, and was granted on May 5th 1923. From September 1st 1967 the Joint Committee took constitutional responsibility for the College as plans for its merger with the Northern School of Music (to form the current RNCM) progressed. The RMCM gave up its Royal Charter in 1973, in order to be able to merge with the NSM. Finances Initially funded by individual subscriptions, representations were made to the Education Committees of Lancashire and Cheshire for the foundation of county scholarships. In 1898 a further round of 5-year subscriptions was sought. The Education Act 1902 enabled the College to apply for grants in aid from the Education Committees within whose administrative areas the students lived - Manchester, Salford and Oldham were successfully approached. Students paid fees (either directly, or in time through grants from their local educational authority). Annual subscriptions were paid by "members", entitling them to attend the AGM of the "General Committee". Following the report of the Departmental Committee on Advanced Musical Training and Education (April 1944) the College also received annual grants from HM Treasury. Throughout its life the College benefited from the generosity of former members and from tributes to its illustrious former students and staff: on its closure in 1973 the RMCM held trust funds of around £200,000 (equivalent in 2001 to £1,990,987) from bequests, appeals and gifts.Staff: Members of the Hallé orchestra were among the earliest members of the teaching staff, but Hallé himself as the founding Principal attracted a number of notable musicians to Manchester and to the RMCM. His successor in 1895 as Principal, Adolph Brodsky, was one such. Brodsky was appointed as Violin Professor and Conductor of the Orchestra, but was immediately made Principal on Hallé's death and remained in the post until his own death in 1929. He was succeeded by Robert Forbes, who in contrast to his predecessors had spent most of his life at the College and in Manchester. He was a fine administrator, and steered the College through difficult financial times. Frederic Cox was appointed in 1953, having joined the staff in 1949, and was responsible for a period of consolidation and protracted negotiations with the Northern School of Music for the amalgamation of the two institutions (see below). On Cox's retirement in 1970 John Wray was appointed Principal for the last months of the RMCM's separate life. Notable professors included Sarah Andrew (singing), Wilhelm Backhaus (piano), Claud Biggs (piano), Arthur Catterall (violin), Paul Cropper (viola), W.H. Dayas (piano), Iso Elinson (piano), Carl Fuchs (cello), Geoffrey Gilbert (flute), Willy Hess (violin), Max Mayer (piano), Kathleen Moorhouse (cello), Egon Petri (piano), Thomas Pitfield (composition), and Evelyn Rothwell - Lady Barbirolli (oboe). The Honorary Fellowship was created 1923, following the 30th anniversary and grant of the Royal Charter.Students: The first diplomas offered were for those specialising in performance or teaching, and those gaining a diploma became Associate of the Royal Manchester College of Music (ARMCM), elaborated by performer or teacher. By 1958, after discussions with the Burnham Committee and the Ministry of Education over teacher training, an additional ARMCM in School Music was offered, and a higher level diploma introduced. Holders of the new Graduate of the Royal School of Music (Manchester) diploma (GRSM (Manchester)) had graduate-equivalent status. Notable students included Harrison Birtwistle, Arthur Butterworth, Rodney Friend, Elizabeth Harwood, John McCabe, John Ogdon, and Alan Rawsthorne. A junior department providing special tuition on Saturday mornings was established in 1954.Building: The College building in Ducie Grove was problematic from the first, with noisome smells and poor sound-proofing affecting the daily lives of the inhabitants. Additional buildings in Oxford Road During the 1940s Manchester town planning aimed at an educational precinct on Oxford Road, with the University at its centre. It was recognised that this would take a number of years to achieve, and permission and financing for temporary buildings was granted by the City and Ministry of Education. Neighbouring buildings were leased and adapted to ease the cramped conditions, and concerts were given in the Free Trade Hall, or the Whitworth or Houldsworth Halls of the University. Collaborations In 1947 the RMCM was invited to join the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (along with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music). Earlier a scheme for a joint course leading to a BMus from the University had been started, leading to close co-operation with the Faculty of Music. During November 1954 the question of amalgamation with the Northern School of Music first arose; very slow progress was made in exploring the possibilities until September 1960 when a subcommittee had brought forward proposals for a site, title and constitution. The need to abandon the Royal Charter was recognised. After a number of years of negotiations and detailed work mediated by the University of Manchester and Manchester City Council, the RMCM finally approved the scheme in March 1966, and the Joint Committee of the new College was established.The Joint Committee: The Committee was composed of 34 members, representatives of the County Councils of Lancashire, Cheshire, Manchester and Salford, of the College and of the NSM, of the University, and co-opted members from the Arts Council, BBC, Hallé, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Granada. The Joint Committee accepted the responsbility for the RMCM and the NSM from 1st September 1967, and the Ministry of Education assumed the financial responsibility. Architects' plans were published for the proposed new building, but owing to the financial constraints on the national economy the building was excluded from the 1968-9 programme for Further Education building. Work finally began in November 1969, and the new College building and organisation opened as the Northern College of Music in September 1973. The title "Royal" was granted by the Queen in October 1973.A history of the RMCM (to 1970) can be found in Michael Kennedy "The History of the Royal Manchester College of Music" (Manchester University Press, 1971), which makes extensive use of the RMCM archive.

Published

Official records of the the Royal Manchester College of Music covering its entire history from foundation to amalgamation with the Northern School of Music to form the Royal Northern College of Music. Includes correspondence and minutes of the meetings which established and raised funds for the College, and of official bodies including the General Committee (comprised of subscribing members), Council, and Board of Professors. Records include minutes and correspondence, financial materials, prospectuses and annual reports (incomplete series), a few examination papers, press cuttings and notices, programmes of concerts given by students (period 1931-1936 missing), some selected student files from 1948 onwards, general correspondence of the Principals and Registrars, photographs and recordings.

Some records are closed in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 (chiefly student files and general correspondence). With preparatory work to protect closed material these records may be made available for topics of research other than into living individuals. Please ask the Archivist for details.

Records relating to the foundation of a College of Music in ManchesterRMCM-RMCM/A1888-1895
5 series

Published

Comprises general correspondence, including invitations to join the committee; papers of the committee; pledges made by subscribers.

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College of Music general correspondenceRMCM-RMCM/A-RMCM/A/11888-1895
8 files Hallé, Charles (1819-1895), Knight; pianist, conductor, founder of Royal Manchester College of Music

Hallé was born Carl Halle in Hagen, Westphalia, on 11 April 1819, (he added the accent to the ‘e’ later in life, allegedly to ensure its more accurate pronunciation by the French and English). His father Friedrich was church organist and director of Hagen's mainly amateur orchestra. By the age of four, Carl could play the piano sufficiently well to manage a sonata written by Friedrich. He also learnt to play the organ, the violin and the timpani. Under the patronage of Louis Spohr, he gave a piano recital at the age of nine; thereafter his father limited his public appearances to one a year, in Hagen. He first conducted at the age of 11 when his father was taken ill during Hagen's annual visit from a touring opera company, for which the town's musicians provided an orchestra. The boy took over the direction of Weber's Der Freischütz and Preciosa and Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. In the summer of 1835, when he was 16, Hallé went to Darmstadt to study harmony and counterpoint under Johann Rinck and to receive general musical instruction from Gottfried Weber. In 1836 he moved to Paris, hoping to become a piano pupil of Kalkbrenner (but in fact studied under George Osborne). In Paris, Hallé soon came to know Chopin, Liszt, Berlioz and Wagner. In recitals in the salons, he introduced Beethoven's sonatas to Parisian audiences: he was the first pianist to play the complete series in Paris and, later, in London. His edition of the sonatas was published by Chappell. He also appeared frequently as a chamber music player, with Alard (violin) and Franchomme (cello). During these years he became a passionate devotee of the music of Berlioz, attending the rehearsals and first performances of several of his works, including the Requiem and Roméo et Juliette. In the revolutionary year of 1848 Hallé decided to leave Paris because of diminishing concert audiences and lack of pupils. Since 1841 he had been married to Désirée Smith de Rilieu, formerly of New Orleans, and he took her and their two children (later there were nine) to London, which he had first visited in 1843. But London was crowded with émigré musicians, so he accepted an approach from Auguste Leo, a Manchester businessman and friend of Chopin, to settle there and to revivify musical life. In 1849 he was appointed conductor of the old-established Gentlemen's Concerts with a free hand to reorganize the orchestra. In 1857, when an art treasures exhibition was held in Manchester for six months, this orchestra was much enlarged and, rather than disband it, Hallé decided to engage it for a new series of concerts at his own risk. The first concert was given on 30 January 1858. Very soon the Hallé Concerts became Manchester's leading musical event; Hallé conducted them, often also appearing as piano soloist, for the remaining 37 years of his life. His programmes were adventurous and he engaged leading soloists of the day. He continued to give piano recitals in London every summer, concentrating on the sonatas of Beethoven and Schubert. In 1893 he saw the realization of one of his long-held ambitions for Manchester: the foundation of a music college in the city. He was appointed principal and piano professor at the RMCM, which opened in October of that year. Hallé was knighted in 1888, the year in which he also married the celebrated violinist Wilma Norman-Neruda (his first wife had died in 1866). With Lady Hallé he gave sonata recitals not only in Britain but on tours of Australia and South Africa. They had returned from the latter only a few weeks before Hallé's sudden death from cerebral haemorrhage. He is buried in Weaste Cemetery, Salford. This biographical history is by Michael Kennedy (in Grove), with additions.

Published

Includes responses to invitations to join the organising Committee, and letters from Sir Charles Hallé to Gustav Behrens following Hallé's appointment as Principal.

Behrens, Gustav (1846-1936), Businessman

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College of Music general correspondenceRMCM-RMCM/A-RMCM/A/1-RMCM/A/1/11888-1889
12 ff.

Published

Newspaper cutting on the proposed Whitworth Insitute and other technical colleges and schools. Letter from Gustav Behrens to Mrs Rylands requesting support of a proposed College of Music in Manchester, with negative reply. Printed items relating to the Guildhall School of Music: prospectus [1889], nomination of pupil form, autumn term card 1888.

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College of Music general correspondenceRMCM-RMCM/A-RMCM/A/1-RMCM/A/1/27 Oct 1891-31 Dec 1891
56 ff.

Published

Correspondence chiefly between Gustav Behrens and other parties interested in the proposals for building a new concert hall which may be extended to cover a College of Music and the re-subscription of the Gentlemens' Concerts. Subjects include canvassing support for the scheme, and enquiries as to the arrangements at other similar institutions and concert halls (including the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall). Correspondents include Hallé, Broadfield, Houldsworth, Heywood, and Lees.

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College of Music general correspondenceRMCM-RMCM/A-RMCM/A/1-RMCM/A/1/31892
139 ff.

Published

Correspondence chiefly between Gustav Behrens, and later Stanley Withers, and other parties interested in the proposed College of Music. Many letters of apology for a meeting in January. Includes list of profits by season of Hallé concerts, notes on the Royal Academy of Music, possible staff of the proposed College, scheme with expenses, Hallé's ideas on the duties of the Principal (letter of May 14th) Correspondents include Broadfield, Lees, the Dean of Manchester, Houldsworth, Hallé, Salomons, Ward, Murray, Dukes of Rutland and Westminster and Lord Ripon (via secretaries), and the Archbishop of York.

17 letters on various aspects of the establishment of the new College of Music, including the suitability of the Concert Hall building; the remuneration and appointment of staff including Hiles for harmony & theory, and Brodsky replacing Olga Neruda (including copy of Brodsky's letter of acceptance, in German). Also includes letter listing professors of piano, violin and violincello listed by "rank".

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College of Music committee papersRMCM-RMCM/A-RMCM/A/21891-1892
3 files

Published

The papers were apparently kept by Gustav Behrens, and Sir William Houldsworth as the chairman of sub-committee.

Typescript resolution [of the meeting December 3rd 1891] establishing a sub-committee to look into conditions for continuation of the Hallé concerts, with minutes of meetings of sub-committee meetings (undated but late December?, and Jan 6th 1892). With a paper suggesting a scheme to constitute a new body for establishing a conservatoire, and two versions of a report of the committee recommending the foundation of a conservatoire. Draft minutes of a meeting of Jan 19th 1892 - of a larger committee than the sub-committee described above. No record of business, solely presence and absence. [Is this committee that of the Gentlemens' Concerts?]

Letter from Gustav Behrens to Sir William Houldsworth with proposed invitation circular and printed report of the subcommittee (see RMCM/A/2/1 for draft versions). List of those invited to the meeting on May 4th, based on list supplied by Forsyth Bros of those concerned with "Sir Charles Halle's grand concerts". 11 letters of apology for the May 4th meeting and expressing support, including from the Dean of Manchester, the Mayors of Manchester and Oldham, and the MPs the Rt.Hon. A.J. Balfour and W.Mather. Letter from Oliver P. Behrens accepting the offer of a position on the proposed School of Music committee. Papers relating to the meeting of 4th May: list of letters of apology with promises of financial support; text of resolution 1 (adopting the sub-committee's report) and resolution 2 (appointing the committee for the College of Music).

Comprises: list of members of general committee appointed May 4th; 4 letters of apology including from the Mayors of Manchester and Oldham, and William Mather MP; list of agenda; list of committee members; proposed circular appealing for subscriptions.

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College of Music minute bookRMCM-RMCM/A-RMCM/A/31892-1904
200 pp

Published

pp.1-97 Minutes of the meetings of the Executive committee (roughly fortnightly) and ad hoc subcommittees. Minutes of the foundation meeting of 4th May 1892 not included. Subcommittees were appointed on Jun 1st for the appointment of a Secretary; and Jun 14th for the appointment of the Principal (Withers and Halle appointed respectively). Dr A.W. Ward was the first temporary chairman until July 26th when he declined the offer of a more permanent appointment (he "felt himself compelled to decline....he was not a musical man"); Charles E. Lees was then appointed.. During June and July 1892 the committee considered staffing; the appeal for funds (draft circular p.16, final version p.33, press appeals p.31) and other financial matters; co-ordination with Owens College; a constitution (epitome of draft constitution p.39); premises - both Ardwick Hall and the Gentlemen's Concert Hall were rejected, before Charles Lees offered on 14th February 1893 to buy premises in Ducie Street and to present them to the College (p.93). Public meetings were also held in Manchester and Oldham (pp.47-49), Bolton (pp.59-64), and Kendal (pp.68-76 passim) during the summer of 1892. By the first meeting of the general committee (ie all subscribers of the College) on October 7th the Executive were able to report on their work so far (p.35). At the 2nd meeting on February 27th 1893 (p.94-) the College Council was appointed and the executive committee made its final report (summarised in a press cutting p.96). pp.98-101 Draft (pencil) minutes of the 1st meeting of the Council of the College of Music (not signed), 1st March 1893. Dr Ward was appointed Chairman (despite his earlier protestations), Charles Heywood the Vice-Chairman, Charles E. Lees Treasurer, and Gustav Behrens the Hon. Secretary. Subcommittees on premises and staffing were appointed, and fortnightly meetings were proposed. Minutes of the Council are continued by the Council Minute Book (RMCM/C/1/1). pp.102-150 General papers relating to the work of the Council concerning the early years of the Manchester College of Music, including: press (national & local) notices June-Oct 1893 (pp.102-115); samples of form letters: Council meeting, offer of employment as Professor, entrance examination invitation, timetable, subscription payment request; press cuttings (6) concerning the start of the second term (between pp.119-120); examination paper Feb 1894 (p.122); press-cuttings concerning the petition for a Royal Charter in early 1894, including the final version of the petition to Privy Council (pp.123-134); press-cuttings and a programme relating to Summer concerts, 1894 (pp.136-140, 142); advertisements for the second and third years (pp.141 and 143 respectively); assorted press-cuttings on the award of the first diplomas [1896] (p.143), the appointment of staff, (between 143-144), notice of the 11th AGM, 1904 (pp.143-4); examination papers in harmony, counterpoint & composition, July 1895 - papers 1-7 (2 copies of each of papers 4-7 inclusive) (between pp.149-150). pp.151-200 Blank.

Printed forms with the names, signatures and addresses of subscribers to the Royal Manchester College of Music, with amounts of subscription. Also includes some related correspondence. Subscribers were members of the College, and eligible to attend and to vote at the Annual General Meeting.

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Papers relating to the appointment of the [organising secretary to the Committee]RMCM-RMCM/A-RMCM/A/5[1892]
3 ff.

Published

Candidates assessed by Gustav Dehn and Gustav Behrens, with final decision as to whether to interview or not. Incomplete list of candidates (apparently 800 applications were received in total). These are the working papers of the subcommittee appointed by the Executive Committee on June 1st 1892 (see minute book RMCM/A/3)

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Records of the General Committee of subscribers and College membersRMCM-RMCM/B1893-1973
3 series

Minutes of the annual meeting of the General Committee - this included all College members (subscribers). Also includes minutes of the extraordinary or special meetings held in June 1898, February 1966 and March 1966 (both the latter on the sealing of proposed agreement for the establishment of the Northern College of Music). All are signed by the President (as Chairman) except for 1971 and 1972. The ordinary business included reports from Council and the Principal, followed by other constitutional and financial matters including tjhe election of members of the Council and approval of the balance sheet and annual account. The minutes include short summaries of the Principal's speech, 1936-1948; a lengthy summary of Chairman and Principal's addresses 1955 and 1956; thereafter there do not appear to have been addresses to the meeting except in 1965 when a distinguished speaker (no summary). A distinguished speaker was first invited in 1932 (Professor Dent 1932; Sir James Baillie (V-C of Leeds University) 1933; Sir Thomas Beecham 1934 etc); this speech was apparently combined with the Principal's speech in 1950. From 1896 lists of diplomas awarded and admission to Associateship are included in the minutes, although individuals cease to be listed by name between 1929 & 1935 inclusive, in 1957 and 1958, and from 1960 until 1972 (they are of course listed in full in the printed Annual Report). Winners of prizes, scholarships and medals were always individually listed in the minutes, as were those admitted to the Fellowship (from its creation in 1923). The meeting concluded with a short programme of music (the performers are usually recorded, but not the repertoire) until 1939; this practice was begun again in 1950 (the performers & repertoire being recorded) and ceased in 1953. Loose sheet of bank balances as at 24th April 1973, and undated apologies, between pp.167-168. The minutes are recorded in manuscript until 1955, and between 1956-1972 are printed.

Notice of the 57th - 67th Annual General Meeting of College members and presentation of diplomas. With list of agenda items including election of members to Council, adoption of annual report and accounts, and election of Auditors. There are earlier AGM notices in RMCM/A/3.

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Annual Reports of the Council [to the General Committee]RMCM-RMCM/B-RMCM/B/31894-1973
8 volumes

Published

Includes names of Patron, President, Life Members, Honorary Members, Professors Emeriti, Representative Members; members of the College; Members of the Council and other officers (Registrar, Warden, medical staff, Solicitors, Auditors, Bankers); report for the preceding year, covering a range of matters including: bequests and gifts received, staff changes, musical activities (including productions, visiting lectures), external prizes and awards, junior department, Library, Northern College of Music joint committee, special funds (including the Sustentation Fund), numbers of students, award of diplomas, medals, prizes, scholarships and exhibitions; minutes of the previous annual general meeting; statement of revenue account, with balance sheet and schedules; list of teaching staff by department; list of past holders of scholarships and prizes.

Comprises Minute books and Appendices; Royal Charter; Seal Register; Register of Honorary Fellows; published Histories of the RMCM; Visitors' Book.

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Council minute booksRMCM-RMCM/C-RMCM/C/11893-1968
4 items

Published

Minutes of regular meetings of the College Council, signed by the Chairman. The location of the final minute book, for the period 1968-1973, is not known. During this time the Joint Committee had administrative responsibility for the College, although the Council continued to exist, to meet, and to make reports to the AGM of the General Committee.

Minutes of regular (fortnightly) meetings of the College Council, signed by Chairman. Includes some copy in-letters. With index of resolutions and business at the front (refers to a continuous numbering sequence throughout minutes).

Papers and reports issued by Council, with reports to Council, and some incoming correspondence. Every year between 1893-1928 the following items were included: annual reports (but most have been removed); Termly summary sheets: numbers of students by study (singing, piano, violin, cello, organ, harp), with breakdown by gender plus other information (number of withdrawals last term, number actually in attendance); number of hours tuition given by each professor & teacher each week that term. Auditors' correspondence & printed balance sheets: 1894 - 1914. Other items were included on an ad hoc basis, including correspondence regarding grant payments by County and Borough Councils; bequests and donations; constitutional matters including petitions for Royal Charter; regulations for scholarships and exhibitions; staff appointments including rates of pay.

Papers and reports submitted to and issued by Council, 1915-1937. A regular record-keeping practice was followed until 1928 (probably on the retirement of the 1st registrar, Stanley Withers); thereafter these appendices are kept more sporadically and less completely. Every year until 1928 the following items were included: annual reports (all removed later); Termly summary sheets: numbers of students by study (singing, piano, violin, cello, organ, harp), with breakdown by gender plus other information (number of withdrawals last term, number actually in attendance); number of hours tuition given by each professor & teacher each week that term; 1915/6-1927/8 inclusive. Auditors' letter: 1915-1927, 1930. These items were included infrequently: Regulations for the North Riding, Will Pearce, Candlin, John Webster, Read, Charles James Haywood, Borough of Nelson, Edward Stocks Massey, Sarah Andrew Memorial, Will Pearce Memorial, Kirtland scholarships/exhibitions. Lists of salaries/hourly payments of staff for years 1915/6 - 1927/8; 1929/30 Correspondence concerning claims for grant-funding from the County & Borough Councils of Lancashire, Cheshire, Manchester, Oldham, Bolton, Wigan, Burnley, Salford; 1915-1928. 1917 Opera expenses. Reports of sub-committee on accommdation and facilities, [1917, 1921]. Report by Granville Bantock on the work and efficiency of the College; 1921. Report of the Board of Professors to the Council following Professor Bantock's report; 1922. List of signatories to the petition for a Royal Charter (typescript), with printed charter and petition; [1922]. Report on the Singing Department; 1927. Annuity awarded to Anna Brodsky; 1929. Accounts of Brodsky Memorial Fund; [1929]. Incoming correspondence from a range of writers on various topics, including the foundation of the Candlin Wind Instrument Scholarship, 1916; purchase of property in Ducie Grove, 1917; estimate for alterations, 1917; a donation from Mrs Lees, 1917; payment of Entertainments Duty, 1917; appeal to the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust, 1918; gifts of instruments, 1918, 1936; increase in College fees, 1919; hire of pianos from John Broadwood & Sons Ltd, 1920, and from John Brinsmead & Sons Ltd, 1921, and from the Chappell Piano Company Ltd, 1923; executors of Miss M.E. Gaskell, 1920, 1922; the Gold Medal awarded by Chappell Piano Company Ltd, 1920; the Swanston Trust, 1920, 1934, 1936, with valuation of stocks and shares, 1931; purchase of 330 Oxford Road from the Order of Druids' Friendly Society, 1921; letter from Queen Alexandra (via Private Secretary) that she cannot sign the College's petition to the King for the grant of a Royal Charter, 1921; acceptance of the Presidency by the Duke of York, 1923,but refusal of office of Patron, 1926; securities and stock dividends via Gustav Behrens, 1915-1928; acceptance of the College training for music teachers by the Teachers Registration Council, 1924; executors of Oscar Rothschild (with copy of will), 1931, and correspondence with his widow over property, 1937; executors of Miss N. Pownall, 1934; executors of William Morton Jackson, 1934; from Professor Stopford on claim to the Board of Education, and his appointment as Chairman of the Governing Body of the College, 1935; executors of Lady Donner, 1935; from John Galloway resigning (on his retirement from practice) as the College's Honorary Solicitor, 1936; Manchester Chamber Music Club, 1936; message of sympathy on the death of George V, 1936; University of Manchester representatives on the College governing body, BMus classes, fees and use of organ by the RMCM, 1936-1937; insurance, 1936; executors of Miss Lucy Howarth, 1937; proposal to alter the arrangements for College administration, 1937. Coverage of academic years: 1914/1 (ff.1-4); 1915/6 (ff.5-9); 1916/7 (ff.10-16); 1917/8 (ff.17-23); 1918/9 (ff.24-27); 1919/20 (ff.28-33); 1920/1 (ff.34-42); 1921/2 (ff.43-48); 1922/3 (ff.49-56); 1923/4 (ff.57-60); 1924/5 (ff.61-67); 1925/6 (ff.68-73); 1926/7 (ff.74-78); 1927/8 (ff.79-80); 1929/30 (ff.89-92).

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Royal CharterRMCM-RMCM/C-RMCM/C/31923
52 pp.

Published

Printed copy of the Charter of the Royal Manchester College of Music, with schedule and bye-laws. Published by J. Roberts & Sons, Printers, Salford.

Lists number, date of seal order [made by the Council], description of instrument, date of sealing and signatures of Council members. Chiefly conveyances of property and transfer of shares from the Trustees of the College to the RMCM; award of diplomas. Signatories include the Principal, Honorary Solicitor, Treasurer and other Council members. The seal register was established following the grant of the Royal Charter (May 5 1923)

History of The Royal Manchester College of Music [to 1918]RMCM-RMCM/C-RMCM/C/61918
63 pp.

Published

College history written by Stanley Withers, then Registrar, and printed by Policy-Holder Journal Co. Ltd of Manchester. The pamphlet contains a roughly chronological history with a list of members of Council, and teaching staff. It is illustrated with several pictures of College premises (1 exterior, 2 interiors), Sir Charles Hallé, Charles E. and Dame Sarah Lees, and Adolph Brodsky.

The history of the Royal Manchester College of Music [1893-1970]RMCM-RMCM/C-RMCM/C/81971
1 volume (227 pp.)

Published

Copy of Michael Kennedy's "The history of the Royal Manchester College of Music", Manchester University Press 1971. Kennedy was commissioned by the Council to write this history in 1965/6, and drew heavily on Council minutes, annual reports and programmes.

Subjects resolved include: the timetabling of examinations, dates of musical evenings (Open Practices), enlargement of the concert platform, dates of terms and exceptional closures, purchase of equipment, the award of diplomas and certificates, courses of instruction, co-ordination and arrangements with other bodies (the Cathedral, Hallé Concerts Society, Town Hall, Manchester High School for Girls), nomination of examiners (including expenses for external examiners), external lectures, alterations to the building, arrangements for and the award of medals and prizes, gifts and bequests, nomination of Professors to serve on the Council, hire of instruments.

Subjects resolved include: the timetabling of examinations, dates of Open Practices/Student Concerts, dates of terms and exceptional closures, the award of diplomas and certificates, courses of instruction and additions to the curriculum, nomination of examiners, arrangements for and the award of medals and prizes, gifts and bequests, nomination of Professors to serve on the Council, elections to Honorary Fellowships, the use of former students for leading roles in the Opera class, messages of sympathy to widows of former College members and teachers, training in Rhythmic Movement, fees for language and elocution classes, charging for tickets to Open Practices.

Subjects resolved include: the timetabling of examinations, dates of musical evenings (Open Practices), dates of terms and exceptional closures, purchase of equipment, regulations for diplomas and certificates, courses of instruction, nomination of examiners (including expenses for external examiners), external lectures, alterations to the building, arrangements for and the award of medals and prizes, gifts and bequests, nomination of Professors to serve on the Council, hire of instruments, honorary Fellows, salaries, establishment of a library, teaching of foreign languages for singers.

Fuller minutes with notes of discussion in addition to resolutions on matters including: nominations for a representative member of the Council; the proposed history of the College; dates of examinations and concerts; Fellowships; staff changes; scholarships; appointment of external examiners; arrangements for co-operation with the Northern School of Music (particularly the proposed new College) and other bodies (Trinity College of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music); regulations for diploma and other examinations; equipment and instruments; amendments to examination procedure; repairs to the building; portraits of and gifts to retiring staff; Junior Exhibitioners department; notices of deaths of former College members and staff; concerts and operas.

Associate course...in order to qualify for the Diploma A.R.M.C.M. (School Music)RMCM-RMCM/D-RMCM/D/2-RMCM/D/2/31957
2 pp.

Published

Lists eligibility and other conditions, and syllabus for first and second (diploma) years.

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Students Open Practices proposalsRMCM-RMCM/D-RMCM/D/331 May 1927-7 Dec 1972
3 items

Published

Signed by students, and records: Students name, department and initials of professor Title of piece and name of composer, with duration of the piece they intended to perform Date of performance. Volume for 1956-mid-Mar 1965 is missing.

Lists in order of acquisition: Composer/Author/Editor/Arranger, title of work, description, score, parts, shelf and case. Items 1-618 Also lists works alphabetically by composer with title of work and press mark. Composers are indexed between acquisition list and alphabetical list. Not all works listed in acquisition list are in alphabetical list. This catalogue was apparently abandoned early on.

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Examination papersRMCM-RMCM/D-RMCM/D/51897-1972
26 files

Published

Papers for diploma and other examinations. Many of the early papers give the name of the examiner setting the paper. The series is apparently incomplete in the early years. Most of the papers are clean, office copies but some have been in use. Most are marked with the College's stamp.

Signed by Professors, with date and time of arrival/departure. It is possible that the books were kept in order to calculate the fees payable to Professors? It appears that the practice ceased at the end of March 1924, but the reason for this is unknown (there is no reference in the Board of Professors Minute Book, for example).

Programmes of all concerts given by College students and staff, including Students Musical Evenings/Open Practices, Annual Examination Concerts, concerts by the Brodsky Quartet, memorial and other special concerts. Selected performances are referred to in the chronological chapters dealing with "The Music" in Michael Kennedy "The History of the Royal Manchester College of Music" (Manchester University Press, 1971).

Registers signed by students on entry to the College. One numerical sequence followed throughout the volumes; the index volume refers to these numbers. Information recorded is: number, name, age, subject of principal study, address, parent/responsible person and address (if different), date of entry, date of withdrawal, number of terms completed. There are extracts for students from no.1 to around 2927 which were made from the registers, and filed alphabetically presumably for office use.

The general correspondence includes the in and out letters of the Principals and Registrars, and associated papers, generally kept in bundles corresponding to an academic year (August-July) and arranged alphabetically by subject/correspondent. The correspondence is very general in scope, and covers matters from the status of the College and its future to the provision of paper towels in washrooms. From year to year, subjects include alumni, students and staff; buildings and equipment; instruments; teaching and examinations; work with other institutions; financial matters; and external events and engagements. This series is incomplete -there is no correspondence for the following academic years: 1896/7; 1898/9-1900/1 inclusive; 1904/5; 1906/7-1938/9 inclusive, 1947/8; 1948/9; 1950/1-1952/3 inclusive; 1954/5. It is likely that administrative practice differed in this period from that in the later period (although all the correspondence does appear to have been brought together in one administrative series by later staff). Many of the later years, where the bulk of the correspondence is greater and the subjects more varied, have files missing. This is the case for the following academic years: 1955/6; 1957/8; 1959/60; 1960/1; 1961/2; 1965/6; 1966/7; 1970/1.

Some incoming correspondence to Stanley Withers & Gustav Behrens. Subjects and correspondents include finances, scholarships, the building, teaching of Italian, organs, potential students, and the death of Charles Lees. Includes draft concert programmes in Hallé's hand for July 16, 17 and 18. Correspondents include the Duke of Devonshire, Georgiana Burne-Jones, Fuchs, Ward, Salomons, Houldsworth, Lees, Cheshire County Council, and Sarah Lees.

Letter from Brinsmead & Sons concerning the supply of pianos; letter from Parry to Jeanne Bretey concerning the use of senior students to teach juniors. With plan by Sutcliffe Ventilating & Drying Co. of proposed conversion of furnace heating apparatus to low pressure steam, RMCM.

Administrative correspondence of Forbes and Dawber. Subjects and correspondents include insurance; individual students, alumni and teachers (including John Ogdon) and including references; scholarships; payment of tax and other financial matters; the estate of Jean Bretey; purchase of equipment and maintenance of fabric; deferment of military service and other effects of the 2nd World War; grants from local councils; parents & teachers seeking advice on the abilities of their children.

Administrative correspondence of Forbes and Dawber. Subjects include accounts for payment at Council meetings; Associated Board examinations; insurance; individual students, alumni and teachers including references; scholarships; purchase of equipment and maintenance of fabric; recognition of qualified teacher status for holders of the Elocution diploma; grants from local authorities; parents seeking advice on the abilities of their children; Forbes' assessments for the National Federation of Music Societies administering Arts Council grants; the deferment of National Service by students. With summary of miscellaneous correspondence (original letters apparently not retained, but date, correspondent and subject noted).

Administrative correspondence of Forbes and Dawber. Subjects and correspondents include Associated Board examinations; insurance; individual students, alumni and staff including references; scholarships; purchase of equipment and maintenance of fabric; the Henry Watson collection of musical instruments; parents & teachers seeking advice on the abilities of their children/pupils; the deferment of National Service by students; the College President. With summary of miscellaneous correspondence (original letters apparently not retained, but date, correspondent and subject noted).

Administrative correspondence of Cox and Wilson. Subjects and correspondents include accounts for payment at Council meetings; Associated Board examinations; insurance; individual students, alumni and staff including reference; scholarships; purchase of equipment and maintenance of fabric; grants from local authorities; the joint course with the University of Manchester; the death of Edward Isaacs; the deferment of National Service by students; the College President; the Treasurer.

Administrative correspondence of Cox and Wilson. Subjects and correspondents include soloists for amateur music group events; Associated Board examinations; insurance; individual students, alumni and staff including references (Elgar Howarth, Henry Holst); scholarships; purchase of equipment and maintenance of fabric; grants from local authorities; the death of Edward Isaacs; the deferment of National Service by students; the College President; the Treasurer.

Administrative correspondence of Cox and Wilson; sections M-Z missing. Subjects and correspondents include Associated Board examinations; individual students, alumni and staff (including references); "Adriana Lecouvreur" for the BBC; the proposed College hood; a visit organised by the British Council for an adviser on setting up a music department at Havana University; the 1955 Festival of Music and Drama held by the London Midland Region Staff Association (British Railways); programme for Hallé concerts; collaboration with other institutions notably the University of Manchester and Chetham's; maintenance and repair of buildings, equipment and instruments; the College's AGM; the death of Harold Dawber; financial matters including a proposal to amalgamate scholarship funds; insurance; restoration of "Amati" and Guadagnini violins; the purchase of an organ; a conference for school-teachers organised by Lancashire council education department; the deferment of National Service by students; the College President; Leonard Behrens.

Administrative correspondence of Cox and Miss Redhead. Subjects and correspondents include accounts presented for payment at Council meetings; advertisements; arrangements for Associated Board exams; financial matters; the establishment of a School of Music by Birmingham City Council; individual students, alumni and teachers; the BBC; the Carl Rosa Trust; proposed tour of Denmark for English music students under the auspices of Det Danske Selskab; scholarships to be awarded by local education authorities; arrangements for dancers from The Hammond School, Chester, for performances of "William Tell"; insurance; the proposed centre for vocal students, singers and actors under the auspices of the Arts Council; restoration of keyboard instruments from the Henry Watson collection; the Hallé Centenary Festival; masterclass arranged by Ibbs & Tillett; Guadgnini violin (which once belonged to Brodsky) given to the College by Mrs Leonora Ireland in 1947; laryngological research proposed by Professor Victor Lambert; the deferment of National Service by students; the Feis Maitiú; the College President; Leonard Behrens; soloists for amateur music group events; Associated Board examinations; insurance; individual students, alumni and staff including references (Heddle Nash); scholarships; purchase of equipment; grants from local authorities and other financial matters; gifts of music; the training of music teachers (Burnham Committee); proposed gift of a letter from Hallé to his grand-daughter Cecile (later Sartoris); co-ordination with other institutions including the National Youth Orchestra, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, the Northern School of Music (with initial approach regarding amalgamation) and the University of Manchester; the deferment of National Service by students; the Treasurer. With summary of miscellaneous correspondence (original letters apparently not retained, but date, correspondent and subject noted).

Administrative correspondence of Cox; sections M-Z missing. Subjects and correspondents include Ascherberg, Hopwood & Crew Ltd; accounts presented to Council for payment; advertisements; arrangements for Associated Board exams; financial matters; individual students, alumni and teachers (including references); the BBC; instruments and equipment; the Carl Rosa Trust; the College AGM; students on local authority scholarships; the death of R.J. Forbes; maintenance of buildings; the Hallé Concerts Society; the deferment of National Service by students; the College President; Leonard Behrens.

General correspondence of Cox, Kay and Brierley. Subjects and correspondents include Ascherberg, Hopwood & Crew; advertisements; the AGM; prizes and medals; potential students; arrangements for Associated Board exams; equipment and maintenance; a concert conducted by Barbirolli; the BBC; external examiners; students, alumni and staff including references; subscriptions; financial matters; Chester Opera Group; the loan of historic musical instruments to Littlemoss secondary school for recitals; local authority scholarships; Leonard Behrens; students at Glyndebourne Festival Opera; maintenance and equipment; requests for financial assistance from the Gulbenkian Foundation and Granada Television; the death of Albert Hardie; potential students; purchase of instruments; financial matters; staff, alumni and students (including references); Hallé concerts; arrangements for College examinations; insurance; the Incorporated Society of Musicians; local authority scholarships; subscriptions; statistics for 1954-9 of number of enrolments, County boroughs of origin, instruments and courses; foundation of a federal scholarship in the teaching of music by the Federation of Malaya; lessons for John Ogdon from Denis Matthews; student auditions for the Manchester Tuesday Mid-day Concerts; lectures and concerts given by MICA; annual report and newsletters; the NYO; the College production of "Werther"; the College President; the death of Robert Forbes and a pension for his widow; equipment and maintenance; potential students; performance of "Tosca"; the Royal College and Royal Academy of Music; scholarships; collaboration with the University of Manchester; financial matters; the Treasurer. With summary of miscellaneous correspondence which was not retained.

General correspondence of Cox and Brierley, sections F-M missing. Subjects and correspondents include potential students; students and staff (including references); student accommodation; financial matters; advertisements; the AGM; Arts Council Patrons of Music Fund (John Ogdon, Elizabeth Harwood, Rodney Friend and Barbara Robotham proposed) and auditions for Opera for All; Associated Board examinations; local authority grants to students; the BBC; Miss Rosa d'A. Blumberg; events at and students of Chetham's; auditions for the Royal Opera House; proposed new College of music; subscriptions; Leonard Behrens; the NYO; students, alumni and staff (including references); maintenance and buildings; informal discussions with the NSM regarding co-operation; financial matters including insurance, superannuation; advertisements; lectures and concerts given by MICA; the Royal Philharmonic Society composition prizes; the RCM; the RSAMD; building of a new organ; auditions at Sadler's Wells; loan of 2 cellos; scholarships; maintenance; financial matters; arrangements for teaching practice in schools for students; Elizabeth Harwood's success in the Kathleen Ferrier Competition; nominations to the Board of Professors and Council; timetabling; external tutors and masterclasses; effects of being a chorister on the adult singing voice and musicianship; meeting with the Treasury concerning pianos and accommodation; joint course with the University of Manchester and other matters; Manchester Arts Festival; a television programme by ITW on Welsh students; local authority grants and scholarships; the Treasurer.

General correspondence of Cox and Brierley, sections A-C missing. Subjects and correspondents include alumni, students and staff (including references); bequests; a visit by Christ Church School Denton; financial matters; payment of grant awards to individual students by local educational authorities; lists of set works for diplomas; the Hallé Concerts Society; production of La Bohème; Tuesday Mid-Day Concerts; notices re staff, timetables, events etc; the College President; the estate of Leon Picard [RNCM Brodsky Papers]; financial matters including staff superannuation and life insurance; advertisements and press; students, alumni and staff (including references); potential students; maintenance and equipment; auditions and studentships for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic; Royal Philharmonic composition prizes; audit of accounts; annual Review week; RCM; local authority scholarships and grants; arrangements for students to undertake teaching practice; scholarship auditions and examinations; timetabling; joint course and other collaborative activities with the University of Manchester; the Treasurer.

General correspondence of Cox and Brierley. Subjects and correspondents include students, alumni and staff (including references); potential students; maintenance and equipment; collaboration with other bodies including the Residential College of Further Education, Preston, Chetham's, and the BBC; advertisements; the Associated Board; lists of those taking entrance & advisory auditions; purchase of instruments; election of Claud Biggs as Professor Emeritus; Miss Rosa d'A. Blumberg; the proposed new College of music; local authority grants and scholarships; subscriptions; examinations; Leonard Behrens; instruments; arrangements for lectures and masterclasses; collaboration with other institutions including the Guildhall, Northern School of Music and the Hallé concerts society; maintenance and equipment; proposed purchase of a house for use as a students' hostel; financial matters including superannuation and subscriptions; lectures and concerts given by MICA; the proposed new College of Music; John Ogdon's success in the Tchaikovsky prize; the performance of "Pelleas and Melisande"; the College President; collaboration with other institutions including the Regional College of Art, RAM, Royal College of Advanced Technology; publicity for the performances of "Pelleas and Melisande"; arrangements for Review Week; grants and scholarships from local education authorities; financial matters.

General correspondence of Cox and Brierley. Subjects and correspondents include students, alumni and staff (including references), including Elizabeth Harwood in Italy, Elizabeth Holbrook in the USA, and Barry Griffiths; potential students; maintenance and equipment; scholarships and prizes awarded by the Arts Council; the Associated Board; arrangements for external examiners; loaned instruments; Miss Rosa d'A. Blumberg; Bretton Hall; scholarships and visits organised by the British Council; the British Soviet Friendship Society and a proposed exchange with the Leningrad Conservatoire; arrangements with Sir John & Lady Barbirolli; BBC broadcasts and other matters; election to honorary fellowship of Wilhelm Backhaus; Leonard Behrens; grants from County councils; activities at Chetham's; the training of choristers; performers at Covent Garden; arrangements for external examiners; College fees; provision of soloists and other performers to external groups; the proposed Northern College of Music; the retirement of Lucy Pierce; the employment of music teachers; the retirement of R.J. Forbes; performances by and death of Iso Elinson; auditions for Glyndebourne; collaboration with the Guildhall; meetings under the auspices of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation on the training of performers; performances by the Hammond School; repair and restoration of instruments; the Hallé concerts society; the College accountants; the College President; maintenance and equipment; opera translations and other work of Arthur Jacobs; gift of a plaque of Liszt's head formerly belonging to Max Mayer; auditions and master classes at the London Opera Centre; payment of grants by local authorities; replacement of staff before the creation of the proposed new college; lectures and concerts at Manchester Grammar School; level of fees recommended and scholarships offered by the Musicians' Union; concerts by the Mid-day Concerts Society; lectures and concerts given by MICA; arrangements for a Britten/Pears concert; the correspondence between Brodsky and the Griegs; the Ministry of Education; auditions for the NYO; the death of Iso Elinson; the Northern School of Music; the performances of "Fidelio" and "Paris and Helen"; the retirement of Lucy Pierce; press advertisements and invitations for critics' reviews; maintenance and equipment; concerts and auditions for the Liverpool Philharmonic; the Royal Academy; the RCM; teaching by Fritz Spiegl; timetabling and teaching arrangements; collaboration and events with the University; financial matters; concerts by György Pauk and Peter Frankl; the Treasurer.

General correspondence of Cox and Brierley. Subjects and correspondents include collaboration with the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala; staff, alumni and students (including references), including the death of Norman Andrew; advertisements; potential students; the Arts Council, particularly Cox's work on the Musical Advisory Panel; Backhaus' admission to Honorary Membership of the College; equipment and furniture; instruments; financial matters, including correspondence with Leonard Behrens; advice for the Birmingham School of Music; assistance with the appointment of Music Organiser for Bolton; scholarships and visits organised by the British Council; broadcasts and other work for the BBC; Leonard Behrens; grants from local authorities; a visit by Christ Church School Denton; equipment and stationery; invitations to participate in festivals and to give concerts; assistance to Max van Egmond with auditions, including for Barbirolli; the restoration of instruments; translations of the Grieg-Brodsky letters; the Hallé Concerts Society; arrangements with Ibbs and Tillett for artists including van Egmond and Gerard Souzay; the appointment of a (string) quartet in residence at Keele University; the College President; celebratory concert for Alan Rawsthorne; examining by and Fellowship for Noel Rawsthorne; Royal Liverpool Philharmonic; the RAM; the RCM; music teaching at St Martin's College; activities of the Students Association; collaboration with the University of Manchester; financial matters; the Treasurer.

General correspondence of Cox and Brierley, most of section S and all T-Z missing. Subjects and correspondents include equipment and maintenance; advertisements; applications for audition by potential students; the Associated Board; financial matters; concerts by Jacques Bloch; alumni, students and staff (including references); students at Bretton Hall; the British Council; the BBC; arrangements for external concerts and festivals; concert for Dora Gilson; property; the new College of Music; performance of Don Giovanni with the Edinburgh Rehearsal Orchestra; Leonard Behrens; the NYO; guitar teaching; Dora Gilson concert and award; auditions for Glyndebourne; maintenance; Elizabeth Harwood; governorship of the Hayward Schools; repair of instruments; work with the Halle Concerts Society; work with Ibbs & Tillett for a recital by Souzay; quartet in residence at Keele University; performances and governorship of the London Opera Centre; grants to students from local educational authorities; financial matters; appointment of Moskowsky; events under the auspices of MICA; the College President; alumni, staff and students (including references); maintenance; the NSM; notices concerning staff, fees, examinations etc; Lucy Pierce on the proposed "History" of the College; publicity and invitations to critics; the RAM; the RCM; the RSA; purchase of property; Souzay recital; scholarship advertisements.

General correspondence of Cox and Brierley, sections A-B and D-G missing. Subjects and correspondents include alumni, students and staff (including references); events and proposed changes at Chetham's; financial matters; staff timetables; external concerts; Council meetings and related matters; Dora Gilson; auditions and other arrangements for Glyndebourne; Gulbenkian Fellowships; activities and governorship of the Hayward Schools; the Hallé Concerts Society; the ISM; string quartet in residence at Keele; auditions and events at the London Opera Centre; financial matters; information-gathering for the Library of the new College; the College President; arrangements for concerts; alumni, students and staff (including references); arrangements for MICA events; Olive Zorian Memorial Concert; the NFMS; auditions for the NYO; the NSM; notices concerning staff, examination arrangements etc; financial matters; publicity and invitations to critics to attend College events.

General correspondence of Cox, Helliwell and Brierley. Subjects and correspondents include maintenance and equipment; alumni, students and staff (including references); enquiries from potential students and arrangements for auditions; accounts presented at Council meetings; arrangements for the AGM; advertisements; meetings and events of the Arts Council; the Associated Board, particularly arrangements for practical examinations; historic musical instruments collection; Brierley's trip to New Zealand for the Associated Board; British Council scholarships and visits; the BBC; Leonard Behrens; Gulbenkian Fellowships; Archie Camden 80th birthday concert; events and developments at Chetham's; the Joint committee; student bursaries for Dartington; dealings with Basil Douglas; financial matters; the death of Lucy Pierce; lectures and events; auditions for Glyndebourne; Hallé Concerts Society; recitals arranged through Ibbs & Tillett; the College President; translation and performance of "Der Corregidor"; events at and auditions for the London Opera Centre; grants to individual students from local educational authorities; MICA; the NFMS; the NYO; maintenance and equipment; the NSM; notices concerning rehearsals, appointments, examinations etc; invitations to critics; the Liverpool Philharmonic, including intial seminar for conductors; the RCM; RAM; audited accounts; loan of costumes by Covent Garden; auditions for Sadler's Wells; auditions and performances by Scottish Opera; the death of Lucy Pierce; production of "Die Meistersinger" and "Der Corregidor"; staff arrangements, timetabling, appointments and vacancies, including the appointment of Raphael Sommer; Trinity College; financial matters; the University joint course, premises, events etc; the Treasurer.

General correspondence of Cox and Helliwell. Subjects and correspondents include alumni, students and staff (including references); advertisements; applications from potential students and arrangements for auditions; the Arts Council events; Associated Board; Leonard Behrens; British Council scholarships and visits; the BBC; honorary membership for Neville Cardus; events at Chetham's; arrangements for external concerts; receipt of local educational authority maintenance cheques for individual students; auditions for Glyndebourne; the Hallé Concerts Society; events and membership of the ISM; lectures by Arthur Jacobs; the College President; Michael Kennedy's history of the College; ad hoc working party on Instrumental Music in Schools and Colleges (Manchester Education Committee); Roger Norrington as director of "Werther"; the NSM; notices concerning timetables, examinations, staff, etc; the death of Michael Brierley; maintenance of College pianos; props and costume for production of "Werther"; the RAM; the RCM; auditions and events at Sadler's Wells; auditions and events at Scottish Opera; advertisements for school teaching posts; staff appointments, resignations, timetables, remuneration, accommodation etc; gift of books by and Honorary Membership of Yvonne Tienot; events and collaboration with the University of Manchester; the Treasurer. With four additional correspondence files "Concerts" and "Concerts misc re. soloists".

General correspondence of Cox and Helliwell. Subjects and correspondents include students, alumni and staff (including references); Associated Board; advertisements; arrangements for AGM; applications from potential students, and auditions; Leonard Behrens; hire of music from Boosey & Hawkes; cataloguing of pre-18th century music in the Library by the British Museum; the BBC; events at Chetham's; retirement of Jack Thom as Treasurer; payment of grant cheques for individual students by local educational authorities; the application of the fund in memory of RJ Forbes; auditions and performances at Glyndebourne; presentation of a statuette of Sir Charles Hallé; the Hallé Concerts Society; the ISM; the College President; financial matters; the NYO; notices re staff, timetable, examinations, prizes etc; publicity and invitations to critics; auditions and performances at Sadler's Wells; staff appointments, resignations, timetable etc; production of "Peter Grimes"; vacancies in school teaching posts; arrangements for the joint course and other matters at the University; the Treasurer.

General correspondence, chiefly of Wray, sections A and E-Z missing. Subjects and correspondents include Cox's retirement, particularly arrangements for a retirement concert; alumni, students and staff (including references); production of "Peter Grimes"; hire of music from Boosey & Hawkes; events and assistance from the British Council; Barbirolli memorial; the BBC; arrangements and assistance with external concerts; appointment of a Director of Studies.

General correspondence, chiefly of Wray. Subjects and correspondents include applications and auditions of potential students; advertisements; Associated Board; arrangements for the AGM; alumni, students and staff (including references); Barbirolli memorial appeal; the BBC; Bretton Hall; events and pupils at Chetham's; arrangements for external concerts; appointments and other business of the Council; payment of maintenance and tuition grants for individual students by local educational authorities; external lectures; the ISM; the Hallé Concerts Society; the College President; Mid-Day Concerts; the NFMS; notices concerning events, examinations, timetable arrangements; publicity and invitations to critics; the RAM; events and activities of the Students Union; compulsory purchase of College properties in Cecil St; vacancies in school teaching posts; staff appointments, timetables, syllabi, reports, financial matters; events and other matters relating to the University; the Treasurer.

General correspondence, chiefly of Wray. Subjects and correspondents include alumni, students and staff (including references); advertisements; applications from potential students of the new College; Associated Board; the BBC; arrangements for meetings and appointments to the Council; auditions for and events at Glyndebourne; the College President; notices regarding examinations, timetable, events, vacancies for school teaching posts; staff timetables, remuneration, appointments, resignations, syllabi etc; celebratory concert for Elsie Thurston; joint course, events and other arrangements with the University; the Treasurer.

Papers and correspondence separated from the main files of general correspondence. Includes: copy will of George Duerden, 1898-1907; examination notices, signed by the examiners, 1917; invitation to the Duke of York to become President of the College, 1923 (copies); criticism of the teaching staff, 1923; report to Council on the singing department, 1927; notices re annual reports, 1934; loan of Chopin death mask to the Henry Watson music library, [1936]; financial statements for Manchester Chamber Music Club, 1936-1938; patronage by the King of the RMCM, 1937; letter of complaint, 1942.

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Press noticesRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/4-RMCM/E/51940-1963
2 files

Published

Notices sent for publication to local and national press, including lists of prizes, advertisements for scholarships. Towards the late 1950s these notices are also included in general correspondence files.

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Notices 1942-1949RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/5/11942-1949
1 bundle

Published

With list of contents. Some correspondence, and professors' biographies.

Includes: Members of Council, Teaching Staff by department, outline of diplomas, courses, opera and drama classes, examinations, fees, scholarships and exhibitions and other similar funds, opportunities for performance, facilities (including Library, catering, accommodation, practice, lockers); extracts from general regulations.

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Prospectus for year 1949/50RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19491949
40 pp.

Published

Annotated (used to prepare prospectus for following year). Also includes regulations for diplomas and for scholarships and exhibitions.

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Prospectus for year 1958/9RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19581958
24 pp.

Published

Annotated (used to prepare prospectus for following year). Also includes regulations for diplomas and for scholarships and exhibitions.

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Prospectus for year 1962/3RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19621962
17 pp.

Published

Annotated (used to prepare prospectus for following year). Also includes regulations for diplomas and for scholarships and exhibitions.

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Prospectus for year 1963/4RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19631963
18 pp.

Published

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Prospectus for year 1965/6RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19651965
18 pp.

Published

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Prospectus for year 1966/7RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19661966
18 pp.

Published

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Prospectus for year 1968/9RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19681968
21 pp.

Published

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Prospectus for year 1969/70RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19691969
2 items

Published

One volume is annotated "Not to be issued" on cover, and with annotations especially on staff list (used to prepare prospectus for following year. The other item is unmarked.

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Prospectus for year 1970/1RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19701970
22 pp.

Published

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Prospectus for year 1971/2RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/6-RMCM/E/6/19711971
22 pp.

Published

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Press cuttingsRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/71913-1973
3 files

Published

Cuttings from local and national papers of reviews and articles concerning the RMCM, but also music and other performers more widely. The cuttings appear to have been kept out of personal interest, rather than as a systematic attempt to include every reference in the press to the College and to the field of music.

Department for the Training of Music Teachers Register of ResultsRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/91909-1919
350 pp.

Published

With index of students at front. Contains, in chronological order, details of students in the Department. Includes number on College Register; address; age; health; number of terms in College; Principal Study and Professor; Other studies; intention to qualify as teacher/performer/both; intention to qualify for teachers/performers/both diplomas; previous experience in teaching/performance; attitude towards teaching; where likely to teach; necessity for teaching; general education; attendance in 1st and 2nd courses; lessons given in 1st and 2nd courses with comments; diploma marks; class marks; general remarks. The book was kept by Dr Walter Carroll and records his personal opinions about virtually every student in the department whilst he was Professor of teaching.

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Correspondence and papers on the Northern College of MusicRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/101961-1973
1 file

Published

Correspondence, chiefly of Cox, John Wray and Ronald Frost, with Sir Patrick McCall (chairman of the joint committee of the NCM) and later with John Manduell; also papers relating to the transitional period before the opening of the RNCM. Subjects include the approval of courses by the Department of Education and Science, the appointment and payment of professors including Principals of the RMCM and NCM; the 1st-4th meetings of the liaison committee; purchase of instruments; student numbers; buildings; constitutional matters.

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Photographs and drawings of buildings, staff and studentsRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/11c.1898-1971
9 items

Published

Photographs and drawings apparently made or taken for publicity purposes.

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College building from the ?south-west cornerRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/11-RMCM/E/11/1early 20th century
2 pieces

2 copies. Shows dais, with two grand & one upright pianos, and chairs/music stands as if for string quartet. Portrait of Brodsky [presented to College in 1924], and bust of Halle and Liszt medallion on walls to left and right of dais respectively; no other pictures on walls. Display case just visible, in niche of left-hand wall. Metal/canvas chairs. Natural light from skylights, but no form of artificial lighting visible. No people, or organ - although this is the same room as that depicted with the caption "General interior and class room" in Withers' history (RMCM/C/6). Stamped on back Kennedy Studios, Kemsley House, Manchester 4.

Watercolour depicting from behind 3 professors seated at a table, from left to right two men and a women. A female student (?) plays a grand piano on a dais. The female professor is wearing a hat, blue blouse and beige skirt; she has brown hair. The student wears a blue blouse and skirt. Both male professors wear black jackets, one with grey checked trousers and brown shoes with fair hair, and the other has dark hair, trousers and shoes. The professors are probably Dayas - on left [compare hair with the photograph in Kennedy's history!], and Olga Neruda or Jeanne Bretey. The other male professor may be Brodsky [given his physique]. The identity of the painter is unknown.

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Concert performanceRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/11-RMCM/E/11/4c.1898
1 item

Published

Shows College orchestra seated on dais in College concert hall. Brodsky is about to conduct. Fuchs is seen with celli but no other professors are recognisable. Small organ in plain wooden case. 6 gas lights (no shades) are seen. Women are wearing day dresses (and in one case, a hat); men in lounge suits. Photograph is taken directly facing the stage, showing the stage/players only. Has been mounted, with border of musical instruments, flowers, and lutenist in Renaissance dress with an angel/Muse holding a laurel wreatch - possibly a presentation photograph?

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College membersRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/11-RMCM/E/11/5c.1898
1 item

Published

Shows College members, in roughly 5 rows: 2 rows seated (on ground and on chairs), others standing. Brodsky is seated in the middle, with Fuchs two to his left. It is assumed that other Professors are shown, but they have not yet been identified. Women are wearing day dresses or blouses and skirts, most with hats; men are in 3-piece suits, some wearing and others holding a variety of hats. The location is out of doors, on a scuffed grassy area in front of a steep bank with trees and shrubs. Has been mounted on plain black card.

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Concert performanceRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/11-RMCM/E/11/61950s?
1 item

Published

Shows chorus (women in white dresses, men in lounge and dinner suits), orchestra (women in black dresses, men in lounge and dinner suits), organist, elderly conductor in tails, 4 soloists (SATB) with male standing to sing. No performers have been identified. Audience is chiefly female, and adult. Location is the University's Houldsworth Hall (?). Wood pannelling; organ console in front of stage which has steps to the side. Clock behind stage, and organ pipes to left. A gallery is visible to the left. Photograph is taken from the right - none of the wall or right-hand edge of the stage is shown. Subjects towards edges of photograph lack focus/definition. Stamped on back "Manchester Evening News Copyright"

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Iso ElinsonRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/11-RMCM/E/11/7c.1960
2 pieces

Published

Two photographs of Elinson, one in profile showing his left side (portrait orientation), the other face on and seated at a piano (landscape).

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Norman AndrewRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/11-RMCM/E/11/8c.1960
1 piece

Published

Head & shoulders portrait photograph of Andrew, mounted. By the County Press Photo Agency of Ashton-u-Lyne.

Open

Admission to Honorary Membership of Sir William Walton and Michael KennedyRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/11-RMCM/E/11/91971
10 items

Record cards arranged by year of students leaving the College. Printed card records (in MS) name; number (to cross-reference with Student Registers); address and telephone; date of birth; date of entry; course; cost; fees paid by; subject and Professor of principal, second and other studies; harmony Professor; other subjects. Although the reverse of the card has spaces to record examinations; prizes, awards and other comments; participation in open practices and concerts, this information appears not to have been recorded (or only recorded very spasmodically).

Open

Record cards for student leavers 1948/49-1958/59RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/12-RMCM/E/12/11948-1959
260mm of cards

Landscape orientation photograph showing Elgar sitting writing at desk. Mounted on black card. On reverse "Sir Edward Elgar Taken in the summer of 1900, on the day on which he finished the score of the "Dream of Gerontius" the M.S. of which is lying on the table before him. W Eller"

Three-quarter length portrait shot of an elderly man with glasses, wearing a number of medals and other insignia including a sash. He is standing with his right arm resting on a tall book case. The photograph has been autographed in red or pink ink, which has run; the words "With my best wishes and greetings to the staff and students of the Manchester Royal Academy of Music [sic]" can be made out. There does not appear to be a signature, however.

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Commemorative book of the twinning of Kreis Iserlohn and Wrexham Rural DistrictRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/13-RMCM/E/13/10Mar-71
1 volume

Published

Scrapbook containing photographs and extracts from the programme of the Anglo-German week in the Kreis Iserlohn following the twinning of the area with Wrexham Rural District. An exhibition on Sir Charles Hallé was mounted, and the RMCM performed "Peter Grimes" in addition to a concert by the symphony orchestra.

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Photograph of Max MayerRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/13-RMCM/E/13/111929
1 piece

Published

Portrait of Max Mayer, head & shoulders with arms folded. Signed "With an old friend's best wishes for Christmas and the New Year! Always Yours Max Mayer December 1929" Photographer and dedicatee are both unknown.

Landscape orientation photograph of head and shoulder of Thomas ?Matthews, playing the violin. By W. Foster Brigham F.R.P.S. Bridlington. Autographed on mount (faintly) "To Dora [Gilson] from her "dear acquaintance" Tommy "then casting up my eye, thanked the Arbiter of my being for the gift of that wild forest, those green mansions where I had found so great a happiness" 1935"

Portrait photograph of Backhaus, head & shoulders. Signed "To the Royal Manchester College of Music in ?admiration of my professors Wilhelm Backhaus November 1905". By Histed, 42 Baker Street, London W.

Photograph of a portrait of an unidentified, bearded man wearing a ?velvet jacket with elaborate buttons, right hand on stomach and left hand in jacket pocket. A large ?brooch is visible under his lavish beard. The portrait is signed, but the signature is now illegible owing to degradation of the photographic emulsion.

An elderly gentleman (wearing a laurel wreath medal) receiving a certificate from another man on a platform in ?Manchester Town Hall with the Mayor and Mayoress and two other civic dignatories. The dress is of the early 20th century. The dais is decorated with many plants. The occasion and participants are unknown.

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Joachim quartet?RMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/13-RMCM/E/13/38undated
1 item

Published

Tracing of an engraving of the ?Joachim quartet, seated with instruments. Bruck-Layers is written below the image.

Two head and shoulders, left profile, and one from waist up (smaller copy of RMCM/E/13/41).

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Photograph of Egon PetriRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/13-RMCM/E/13/441934
1 item

Published

Framed photograph of Egon Petri, seen head and shoulders, seated. Signed "To the Manchester Royal College of Music [sic] in grateful remembrance of the happy years I spent there most sincerely Egon Petri London March 1934"

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Photograph of John BarbirolliRMCM-RMCM/E-RMCM/E/13-RMCM/E/13/451949
1 item

Published

Framed, head and shoulders portrait photograph of Barbirolli, signed "To Dora Gilson with all the good wishes of John Barbirolli 1949".

Lists subscriptions paid annually by individuals, with running total of all subscriptions during the course of a year.

Open

Professors' Fee booksRMCM-RMCM/F-RMCM/F/41951-1967
3 volumes

Published

Records payments made to Professors by term and subject, with number of hours and hourly rate

Open

Professors' Fee bookRMCM-RMCM/F-RMCM/F/4-RMCM/F/4/11951-1957
386 pp.

Published

Records payments made to Professors by term and subject, with number of hours and hourly rate. Also student teachers and junior department 1956-1957 (pp. 274-281); Diploma examination fees 1953 (p.300); Index of professors at front.